AC Milan coaching staff and players return to Milanello today in order to prepare for the new season coming ahead.
The club has set up a press conference with Stefano Pioli presenting himself to the media to discuss the next campaign. Here are his words:
"Champions League qualification? We all enjoyed it, but for a few days only. Then, we started to think about the future. We are happy with last year, but now we think about the new one. It will be nice to see the boys again."
On Preparations for the new season:
"We started a little earlier, but we want to do things calmly and in the best possible way. We have come from a heavy season, but we have rested and I'm sure I'll find them ready. We want to be the protagonists once again."
What kind of summer is Pioli expecting?
"The club wants a competitive team. We want to give continuity to the work of the last year and a half. We must improve our level. I would like to have the whole squad already available, but I know it is not possible. We have to prepare well, I'm sure that we will do our best to have a competitive AC Milan."
On Kessié:
"Kessié has grown as much as everyone else. He is very strong and I think he can still grow a lot with the team. We know how important he is: I heard from Franck. He is calm and motivated."
What is Pioli's goal in the summer and in Italy?
"I hope we can spend it with the fans in the stadiums, first of all. We would like a return to normalcy. In the Serie A, there are 7 strong teams. We want to fight for them and prove ourselves. In Europe, we want to be the surprise of the tournament."
On the Champions League campaign:
"It is difficult to predict what will happen in the Champions League, which is a central objective of the season. There is still a lot to do, then we will do everything to be ready."
On who will be the captain:
"The captain has always been Alessio Romagnoli. He still is. But, I am lucky to have more captains in this team. I know I have a team with a great sense of belonging."
Can you improve on last year?
"That is our goal. We must confirm our level of last season. Talking is of little use, the field must talk, instead. We aim to be the best on the pitch, we must be ambitious. We must show that we have a fire inside and overcome our opponents."
On the exits of Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma:
"I remain tied to them. But we must look forward and not backward. Now, it's time for a new season. We have started a path and we want to confirm ourselves. We want to play the best football possible."
What attacking midfielder do you need in Calahnoglu's place?
"I am connected to all the players of last year, Gigio and Calha gave a lot until the last day. I am convinced to find a motivated group willing to do well. The transfer market is still long, we need quality players. With the right quality and motivation, you can go a long way."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Davide Calabria and Ismael Bennacer:
"I found Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be well. There are still about ten days to get him back but he is motivated. Those who operated on him were satisfied. As for Ismael Bennacer, he is ready today. Calabria? HE paid a visit yesterday and it went well. He won't be able to start right away. in a group, but he will be able to do it soon."
What about Kjaer:
"I often stay in touch with Kjaer. He experienced a delicate experience. We have been amazed by his abilities. But we were also aware of his human qualities as well. We will hear from him again in these days. He needs rest after such a season and a great European championship campaign."
Tell us about your expectations for the squad:
"I expect a lot from everyone, I start with myself. Then obviously also from the players and my collaborators. We must improve. Apart from Ibra, none of the others have reached the top in their career and this is a motivation."
Will this be Rafael Leao's year?
"I hope it will still be Milan's year. I expected growth from everyone. I expect a lot from him, I talked to him again today. I am convinced that everyone will be motivated and determined to have another great season."
Is the club ready to make a new sacrifice to keep Kessie?
"These are club matters. We all know how important Franck is and how happy he is to be at Milan."
Could Tonali play later?
"It is not yet official, but I'll be very happy when it is confirmed. I am open to all solutions, the important thing is to put the players in a position to do their utmost. We must always want to play and dominate."
Many injuries were picked up last season...
"We played many games last season. We start a few days early and therefore we will be able to prepare in the best possible way."
Have you spoken to Mike Maignan?
"Yes, I did. I spoke to him several times already. We have signed an excellent goalkeeper. He will be motivated."
Will you adopt new tactics for the team?
"There could be, these are things I've always done in my career. Being unpredictable can be an advantage. We'll try new things, but without forgetting our characteristics."
